University of Missouri Extension

IPM1007, Revised November 2009

Practical Weed Science for the Field Scout: Corn and Soybean

Shattercane (Sorghum bicolor)

Summer annual grass

An annual that closely resembles johnsongrass and grain sorghum in growth habit and appearance. Leaves are usually without hairs, 12 to 24 inches long, 1 to 2 inches wide, and have a prominent midvein. The ligule is membranous at the base and a fringe of hairs at the top, reaching 5 mm in length. Sheaths are robust and usually hairless, but some hairs can occur in the collar region. Plants can produce tillers and adventitious roots, as in grain sorghum. The seedhead is a large, open panicle much like that of johnsongrass but with individual seeds that are much larger and more robust than those of johnsongrass.

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